Bridgeport in Wise County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First Baptist Church Bridgeport
Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, April 10, 2023
1. First Baptist Church Bridgeport Marker
Inscription.
First Baptist Church Bridgeport. . In 1882, Rev. Alphus Hawkins, W.W. Cannon and 23 charter members started this church in old town Bridgeport. After meeting in the schoolhouse and two other sites, the church moved to their own one-room building here in 1895. Coal mining, cattle ranching and the railroad brought growth. By 1920 the church had 300 members and the Women's Missionary Union sponsored Blanche Groves as the church's first missionary to China. Campus additions included a new sanctuary (1925), education building (1947), worship center (1959), family life center (1980) and new education building (2000). First Baptist has sponsored three missions (Cates St. Baptist Church, El Calvario Bautista and First Baptist of Runaway Bay) and has supported many other area endeavors.
175 Years of Texas Independence 1836 - 2011
.
In 1882, Rev. Alphus Hawkins, W.W.
Cannon and 23 charter members
started this church in old town
Bridgeport. After meeting in the
schoolhouse and two other sites, the
church moved to their own one-room
building here in 1895. Coal mining,
cattle ranching and the railroad
brought growth. By 1920 the church
had 300 members and the Women's
Missionary Union sponsored Blanche
Groves as the church's first
missionary to China. Campus additions
included a new sanctuary (1925),
education building (1947), worship
center (1959), family life center (1980)
and new education building (2000).
First Baptist has sponsored three
missions (Cates St. Baptist Church, El
Calvario Bautista and First Baptist of
Runaway Bay) and has supported many
other area endeavors.
175 Years of Texas Independence 1836 - 2011
Erected 2011 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 16812.)
Location. 33° 12.567′ N, 97° 45.3′ W. Marker is in Bridgeport, Texas, in Wise County. Marker is at the intersection of East Cates Street and 12th Street, on the right when traveling
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west on East Cates Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1204 12th Street, Bridgeport TX 76426, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 11, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 85 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 11, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
